21st Edition • Online January 2012
The Myrtle Beach Area Statistical Abstract is an annual publication of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce. Although every effort has been made to ensure the validity of the information contained herein,
all information is subject to change without notice and is in no way guaranteed by the Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce. The information contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the
expressed written permission of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
*Please note that due to the numerous sources this information was extracted from, the data in this publication
are as current as possible.
Prepared by: Marketing Research Department
Wendy Bernstein, Marketing Research Manager
Phone: (843) 916-7217 Fax: (843) 916-7272
E-Mail: Wendy.Bernstein@VisitMyrtleBeach.com
Visit our websites for more information: VisitMyrtleBeach.com • MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

22nd Edition Statistical Abstract • MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

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STATISTICAL ABSTR ACT

MY RT L E B E AC H A R E A

CHA MBER OF COMMERCE /CVB
Since 1938 the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB (MBACC) has stood as the unified voice of the Grand
Strandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business community, promoting, protecting and improving business. A key function of the chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
mission is to promote the Myrtle Beach area as a travel destination.
The MBACC serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City
Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. For more information, visit
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
The MBACC Marketing Research Department provides qualitative and quantitative research which is used to promote
the area as a vacation destination. The research summaries page in this publication contains information on
some of the research conducted. For more information regarding current research and statistics, visit
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/Research.

Grand Strand History.............................................. 31
Research Sources..................................................... 32
MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is to provide community leadership in the promotion of economic
development, including tourism. Accordingly, the chamber will effectively involve itself in the governmental and political arena
and in the coordination of efforts to advance business development in order to improve the quality of life and to encourage
unity in the region.
22nd Edition Statistical Abstract â&#x20AC;˘ MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

The Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina continually proves that it is worthy of the moniker “The Grand Strand” year-after-year, as it
continues to win prestigious awards ranging from designation as the “World’s Best Beach” according to Yahoo! Travel, to recognition
as the “Overall Value for Money Destination” and host to 10 of the “Top 100 Public Golf Courses in America” according to Golf Digest.
Whether seeking an exciting sporting event or recreational vacation, the perfect family beach, the ideal retirement location, or the
best place to host a meeting, visitors to the Myrtle Beach area will find award-winning offerings in every lifestyle category.

US News & World Report
“Best Vacations”
US News & World Report honored Myrtle Beach in multiple
categories, including #6 Best Family Beach Vacations, #6
Best Family Vacations in the U.S.A., #7 Best Affordable U.S.
Vacations, and #9 Best Beaches U.S.A. Myrtle Beach was
described as “one of the best East Coast family vacation
destinations” and notes that “Southern hospitality is alive
and well at Myrtle Beach”.

selected as one of the “Top Ten Public Gardens in America”
by Coastal Living Magazine. The Alabama-based magazine
serves more than three million readers and is a leader in
lifestyle information. Brookgreen Gardens is open to the
public, and is located on US Highway 17 between Myrtle
Beach and Pawleys Island.

TRAVEL TICKER
“Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations of 2011”
Myrtle Beach was named one of the “Top 5 Summer Travel
TRIPADVISOR
Destinations of 2011” in the “Where To Go Now & How
“2011 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARDS”
Guide” by Travel Ticker, a leading U.S.-based travel portal.
TripAdvisor named Myrtle Beach as the #1 Best Beach in The list is based on seasonal trends, travel deals, weather,
the United States, and also one of the Top 10 Best in the tourist traffic, entertainment, and culture. Myrtle Beach is
World. The popular travel website described Myrtle Beach described as a “great money-saving destination for families”.
as “distinguished by panoramic views of the Atlantic, calm
waters and soft white sand” and “offers plenty of family TRAVEL CHANNEL
attractions, making it perfect for beach-lovers with kids”.
“Top 10 Vacation Spots”
Travel Channel listed Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as one
TRIPADVISOR
of the top 10 vacation spots. The site listed the destination
“2011 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARDS”
as a town that “teems with summertime action along
TripAdvisor named Myrtle Beach as one of the Top 25 the Strand with beaches, amusement and water parks,
Destinations in the United States. Myrtle Beach was restaurants and live entertainment and a host of hotels
described as “a family-friendly beach destination—which ready to pamper guests young and old.”
means in addition to great beaches, there’s plenty to do
when the kids are sick of making sand castles. Amusement PINPOINT DEMOGRAPHICS
parks, water sports and golf courses are nearby. And family- “Top Ten List of 2011 Restaurants Per Capita”
friendly dining and hotels abound.”
Myrtle Beach was named one of the top ten cities with the
highest number of restaurants per capita. The survey was
BETTER HOMES & GARDENS REAL ESTATE
released by Pinpoint Demographics, a leading demographics
“America’s Most Fun, Affordable Cities”
research firm that provides the most current, accurate and
Real estate data company Better Homes & Gardens Real cost-effective data population demographics, consumer
Estate selected Myrtle Beach as one of 25 areas in the spending, retails business and services businesses estimates.
United States with affordable living and the greatest
number of bars and restaurants. One of numerous tourism TRAVELZOO
destinations to make the list, Myrtle Beach is noted for its “2010 Travelzoo Award Winners”
restaurants, dinner theaters, coffee houses, and nightlife.
Travelzoo awarded the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and
Visitor’s Beureau with the award for “Most Outstanding
COASTAL LIVING MAGAZINE
Achievement in Marketing Travel Deals for a Destination.”
“Top Ten Public Gardens America”
The Travelzoo Awards, or “The Tzoos,” celebrate the
Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina was companies behind the best travel and entertainment deals
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M Y R T L E B E AC H A R E A C H A M B E R O F CO M M E R C E

STAT I STI C A L A BSTR AC T

CLIMATE & DISTANCES

DRIVING DISTANCES
TO MYRTLE BEACH

ANNUAL WEATHER STATISTICAL AVERAGES
Temperatures based on
more than 30 years of data.

Sunny days

215

Overcast days
Frost days
Days when maximum
temperature is more than 90o
Days with .10 inches of rain or more
Number of sunny days during
an average summer month
Number of sunny days during
an average winter month
Wettest months
Driest months

150
42

Hottest Day (105º F)

Aug. 22, 1983

Coldest Day (4º F)

Jan. 21, 1985

40
77
18
15
Aug. & Sept.
April & Nov.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHS
AND MONTHLY PRECIPITATION

Water and air temperatures based on
30 years (1981-2010) of data in degrees Fahrenheit.
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

364 miles
884 miles
888 miles
815 miles
434 miles
171 miles
959 miles
638 miles
138 miles
426 miles
838 miles
763 miles
563 miles
747 miles
704 miles
1,049 miles
686 miles
593 miles
826 miles
685 miles
500 miles
1,010 miles
596 miles
1,197 miles
193 miles
227 miles
898 miles

Syracuse, NY

818 miles

Tampa, FL
Virginia Beach, VA
Washington, DC

553 miles
370 miles
450 miles

OCEAN WATER TRIVIA
During the summer months, the ocean water along the Grand Strand is about 20oF warmer than the ocean water along New York beaches.
Over the last 30 years, the lowest temperature Grand Strand ocean water has reached was 47oF (in January) and the highest was 88oF (in July).

Temperatures along the southern coast are usually cooler than inland areas during the summer because of the sea breeze.

RESEARCH PROJECTS
In an effort to meet the business and leisure travelersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs, research projects and surveys are continuously being
conducted at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The information obtained from these studies enable the
chamber to target its marketing efforts to maximize the return on investment of the marketing dollars spent.

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER/CVB IN-MARKET STUDY
In June 2006, the chamber united with local accommodation owners to collect visitor information with the long-term
goal of establishing a baseline of visitor demographics by surveying visitors throughout the entire year. The participants
distribute survey cards to their guests upon check out, which instructs the visitor to go on-line and complete the survey.
In 2010, over 1100 people completed the survey and 17% of them were first time visitors to the area. Ninety-four
percent were leisure vacationers to the area and 55% of them took a family vacation. While here, 93% went to the
beach, 76% went shopping and 39% attended an amusement or attraction. Over 93% drove to the Myrtle Beach area,
and more than 98% of the visitors were very satisfied/satisfied with their vacation.

MYRTLE BEACH TRAVELER INDEX
In January 2007, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber/CVB commissioned Equation Research to conduct quarterly surveys
with core tracking measures to monitor attitudes and travel preferences for likely travelers to Myrtle Beach. The index
has become a vital tool in providing insight into the effects the downturn in the economy has had on the leisure traveler
and the areas in which the visitors have had to make cuts in their vacation plans. In 2010 there was a change in what
would impact travel plans, with 52% stating time availability, 43% stating a decrease in disposable income and 32%
stating the economy; the percentage of these impacts have all decreased since 2009. The tracker also measures awareness
of Myrtle Beach advertising. In the beginning of 2010 awareness of Myrtle Beach indicated TV advertising was 38%,
Internet ad was 34% and the website was at 15%. By the end of the year those numbers were 50%, 29% and 23%
respectively.

MYRTLE BEACH ZIP CODE ANALYSIS
The Zip Code Analysis program consists of data provided to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber/CVB by accommodation
members, which contains arrival date, city, state and zip code information for an entire year. This is real time data
from actual visitors to the area. Only participants receive reports of the aggregated data, along with a report of their
propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s data. In 2009 the database contained over 520,000 records, and in 2010 it contained over 454,000 records. The
following table shows a comparison of 2009 vs. 2010 visitation by the top ten states and top five cities.

TOURIST POPULATION
The estimate of total annual visitors to the Myrtle Beach area
is provided by the independent research company D.K. Shifflet
& Associates, Ltd., which uses a statistically sound process of
data collection and analysis to estimate the number of annual
visitors to the Myrtle Beach area. Visitor count estimates
include day-trippers and overnight visitors, both in paid and
unpaid accommodations. Independent research has been used
to evaluate D.K. Shifflet’s estimate of visitors staying in unpaid
accommodations, including local occupancy rates as published
by various sources. The MBACC Research staff has also used
growth in lodging tax collections as well as relevant data
(average length of stay, average number of travelers in traveling
party, etc.) from in-market surveys to gauge the accuracy of
D.K. Shifflet’s study.

The International Visitor Arrivals Program is a core part of the U.S. travel and tourism statistical system. The
program focuses on collecting and reporting overseas non-resident visitor arrivals to the United States. Most of
the programs effort is focused on using the Immigration and Naturalization Service I-94 form data, which all U.S.
non-citizens must complete to enter the United States.
In calendar year 2010, according to I-94 data at least 71,393 overseas travelers, excluding Canadians and Mexicans,
indicated South Carolina was the first or primary destination on their US trip (calendar year 2009 was 66,555).
Historical data indicates that two of South Carolina’s largest overseas visitor origin-countries are Germany and the
UK. In calendar year 2010, according to I-94 data, at least 15,472 UK residents and 14,776 German residents visited
South Carolina (calendar year 2009: 15,204 UK residents and 13,261 German residents).
Among South Carolina’s 848,500 annual Canadian visitors, Ontario (55%) is their primary origin with Quebec
(37%) in second place. Vacationers account for 73% of these visitors. Nearly 53% of all Canadian visitors to South
Carolina spend the night.
Based on the 2010 conversion study of those who inquired about visiting the Grand Strand, 16 percent of our
visitors came from North Carolina. Another 35 percent traveled from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia.
The following are the 2010 top 10 states of visitation in order: North Carolina, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Michigan.

ANNUAL NUMBER OF INQUIRIES

The leading origins of visitor inquiries have consistently been Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New York and
Virginia. In 2010, the chamber received nearly 15,000 inquiries from foreign countries and approximately 98
percent of those inquiries were from Canada. Other international inquiries came from England, Germany, France
and the United Kingdom.
The chamber tracks the number of unique Internet visits (single individual session on the website) and the number
of pages viewed on the website. The chamber’s official website, VisitMyrtleBeach.com, recorded 5,476,603 visits
and 23,792,786 page views in 2010.
Traffic to the VisitMyrtleBeach.com website originated from all 50 states and 203 different countries. The top
ten states for web traffic were: North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia,
Illinois, New Jersey, Tennessee and Maryland.
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STATISTICAL ABSTR ACT

VISITOR PROFILE
Information about our visitors comes from various sources. The following aggregate statistics were gleaned
from the 2010 In-Market Visitor Profile study conducted of visitors to the Grand Strand.

VISITOR OCCUPATION

Of the visiting population 68% work full-time, 16% are
retired, 8% are homemakers and 6% are self-employed.
Executive/Owner
Retired,
Homemaker,
Self-Employed

Other

6%
28%

25%

Manager/Technical

VISITOR PARTY

The destination continued to attract adults traveling
with children. These visitors had an average party size
of five, consisting of 3 adults and 2 children.

23%

Craft/Factory

10%
5%
2%

Education

Sales/Purchasing

65+

10%

14%

18-34

64%
29%
3%
3%
1%

VISITOR LENGTH OF STAY

The average length of stay along the Grand Strand
was five days for leisure travelers and three days for
business travelers.

VISITOR AGE

The Grand Strand attracts a wide range of travelers.
Approximately 90% of visitors were under the age of 65.

TRAVEL PARTY TYPES

Families
Couples
Three adults or more
Single Adult
Single Adult with Children

NIGHTS SPENT IN THE AREA

1 - 3 nights
4 - 7 nights
8 or more nights

17%
64%
19%

VISITOR ACTIVITIES

55-64

25%
51%

35-54

VISITOR AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

The Grand Strand attracts middle- to high- income travelers.
Visitor income has steadily increased over the years.
$30,000 or less

$100,000+

21%

$75,000-$99,999

10%
14%

17%

$30,001-$44,999

$45,000-$59,000

$60,000-$74,999

I

VISITOR CHARACTERISTICS

Grand Strand leisure travelers spent an average of $121
per person per day, and group business travelers spent
an average of $190 per person per day. Furthermore,
visitors typically used their own cars as their primary
transportation (88%). Most Grand Strand visitors
(49%) stayed in hotels, while 29% stayed in condos
or villas.

18%
17%

10

The Grand Strand is rich with activities and amusements
for leisure and business travelers alike. In 2010, 88%
of the leisure visitors enjoyed shopping. Additionally,
93% of overnight visitors enjoyed eating dinner at a
restaurant, 91% went to the beach, and 14% played
golf.

The S.C. Department of Revenue collects a 2 percent tax from hotels, motels, condos and vacation rentals
on a mothly basis. However, monthly totals may be influenced by factors that are not related to business
conditions during that month, making comparisons with the same month in previous years problematic. Yearover-year comparisons of year-to-date totals are less susceptible to these factors and are preferable to monthly
comparisons. The graph below shows a 10-year trend of the 2 percent accommodation collections.

2001-2010 ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COLLECTIONS
17.0

Millions

13.0

15.3
13.1
11.7

12.2

13.9

15.1

14.6

14.8

13.7

12.4

9.0

5.0

1

200

2

200

3

200

4

200

5
6
200
200
Years

7

200

8

200

9

200

0

201

The following information shows a three-year trend of the monthly occupancy rate percentages (room nights
occupied/room nights available) and the average daily room rate (ADR; total room revenue/room nights
occupied). This information has been provided by the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
(SCPRT), and is based on a sampling of local chain hotels and motels in the Grand Strand. For more current
occupancy and daily room rates, go to scprt.com.
2008
January

ACCOMMODATION STATISTICS
The Clay Brittain Jr. Center for Resort Tourism at Coastal
Carolina University began collecting occupancy, average daily
room rate (ADR) and revenue per available room data on
a voluntary basis from independent Grand Strand lodging
properties in 2005. The centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s short-term research goal is to
develop new approaches to monitoring tourism supply and
demand. They currently monitor data during the weekday
(Sunday - Thursday) and on the weekend (Friday - Saturday)
and show a comparison from year to year.

9%
Campgrounds
11%
Timeshare

22%
Vacation
Rentals

The following information shows the last three yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; monthly
occupancy rate percentages (room nights/occupied/room
nights available) and the average daily room rate (ADR; total
room revenue/room nights occupied) collected by the Clay
Brittain Jr. Center for Resort Tourism.

There are approximately 98,573 bedrooms available
for rent along the Grand Strand, the chart shows the
breakout of accommodation by type.

2008

Month

58%
Hotels/
Motels

2009

2010

Occ Rate

ADR

Occ Rate

ADR

Occ Rate

ADR

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

The majority of visitors vacation along the Grand Strand during the summer months. The following charts show the Grand
Strand weekly lodging performance for the 12 weeks beginning June 1, 2010 and ending August 31, 2010, and a comparison
to the summer months beginning June 1, 2009 and ending August 31 2009.
2010
2009
2010
2009
Property Type
% Change
% Change
Occupancy Occupancy
ADR
ADR
Hotels/ Condotels & Campsites

81.7%

76.3%

7.1%

$129.86

* The data above are based on a convenience sample with an average size of 9,216 units per week.
2010
2009
2010
Property Type
% Change
Occupancy
Occupancy
ADR
Vacation Rental Properties (7 day rental)

83.2%

84.7%

-1.7%

$485.27

*The data above are based on a random sample of 157 units per week.
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M Y R T L E B E AC H A R E A C H A M B E R O F CO M M E R C E

$125.72

3.3%

2009
ADR

% Change

$471.24

2.9%

STAT I STI C A L A BSTR AC T

GOLF
With 102 golf courses, the Myrtle Beach area contributes a large potion of the golf revenue within the state.
While the quantity is certainly impressive, the quality is nothing short of awesome. Challenging layouts,
stunning vistas and impeccably maintained fairways and greens are the hallmark of the courses that make up
the world’s most impressive collection of public courses.
In 2010, approximately 3.4 million total rounds of golf were played across the Grand Stand. (Rounds data
reported via Grand Strand Tee Time Network on Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday member courses).

ESTIMATED PAID ROUNDS
5

Millions

4.5

4
3.7

3

3.4

3.4

3.5

3.1

7

200

8

9

200

200

0

201

Years
GENERAL INFORMATION
Long regarded as the best value in golf travel, Myrtle Beach has grown into its role as the home of the game’s
largest concentration of high-end courses. Golf Digest ranks “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” on a
biennial basis and seven Grand Strand layouts earned spots on the prestigious list in 2009. To the put that in
perspective, the entire state of Florida had just four courses ranked. The area is home to just over 100 golf
courses and more than 50 are rated 4 stars or better by Golf Digest.
The Myrtle Beach golf community also hosts some of the game’s most popular amateur tournaments, including
the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, a 72-hole event that attracts more than 3,000 players
from across the globe, and the Palmetto High School Golf Championship, the nation’s largest high school golf
tournament. In addition, the area serves as the host of the Hootie & The Blowfish Monday After the Masters
Celebrity Pro-Am, an event that has raised more than $3 million for charity since coming to the Grand Strand,
and the Know Your Score: Fight Prostate Cancer Celebrity Golf Tournament and Gala.
With its temperate climate, Myrtle Beach attracts players throughout the year, but play peaks in the spring
and fall.
Sources: Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday; S.C. Department of Revenue; S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
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STATISTICAL ABSTR ACT

AIRPORT INFORMATION
The Horry County Department of Airports was created in November 1987 as an agency of Horry County. The
director of the airports is appointed by the county administrator. There are four airports managed by the Horry
County Department of Airports:

GRAND STRAND AIRPORT

Located within the city limits of North Myrtle Beach,
and currently managed by Ramp 66, this airport serves
private and corporate aircraft with parking, refueling,
maintenance and full-service, fixed-base operators. This
is an ideal stop for people visiting the North Strand or
transiting from the Northeast to farther South.

CONWAY‑HORRY COUNTY AIRPORT

Located five miles west of the county seat of Conway,
this airport serves general aviation aircraft with parking,
refueling and maintenance. The Conway-Horry County
Airport (HYW) provides operations and services for
the growing general aviation community in the western
part of Horry County. For more information, please
visit: www.FlyMyrtleBeach.com.

TWIN CITY‑LORIS AIRPORT

Located two miles northeast of Loris, this facility serves as an unattended airport for public use. This is an excellent
training airport for practice approaches and landings by private aircraft.

MYRTLE BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
COMMERCIAL PASSENGER TOTALS

Year
2002

Arrivals
628,923

Departures
631,368

2003

666,545

668,951

2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010

766,268
781,088
716,484
839,450
782,021
743,206
869,032

768,944
785,321
723,900
844,373
783,351
742,187
867,106

MYRTLE BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Located approximately one mile from the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
serves as the only commercial airport for Horry County and the Grand Strand. The airport consists of a passenger terminal
complex, a 9,500-foot lighted runway and related taxiways, a general aviation apron and supporting buildings and hangars.
MYR is currently undergoing a $118 million terminal capacity enhancement program that will expand the number of gates
from 7 to 13, provide more efficient ticketing, baggage claim and security screening areas, in addition to a separate car
rental facility and parking. The new terminal is expected to be completed in January 2013. MYR is currently served by 8
airlines with non-stop service to over 25 destinations.
In addition, Phase 1 construction is underway to develop the Myrtle Beach International Airport Technology, Commerce
and Aeronautics Park (“ITAP”) a 400+acre site adjacent to the General Aviation terminal, to capitalize on the growing
aviation and innovation industries and position Horry County as the premier live/work community in the Southeast. The
airport’s existing tenants comprise of companies specializing in the handling, servicing, modification and repair of aircraft.
For more information, please visit: www.MBITAP.com
Sources: Myrtle Beach International Airport; Horry County Department of Airports

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STAT I STI C A L A BSTR AC T

CONVENTIONS & MEETINGS
Group business along the Grand Strand has been steady over the years, with more than 30 properties
providing full-function space for meetings and conventions. Several properties have the ability to host
groups of 500 or more under one roof. The area’s largest meeting site is the Myrtle Beach Convention
Center. The 249,100-square-foot facility is one of the largest on the East Coast and can accommodate
80 percent of all conventions held in the United States. The greatest number of delegates the Myrtle
Beach Convention Center can accommodate is 10,000 and the largest number of people that can be
served at a seated-meal function is 1,500.
The Myrtle Beach Area Convention Bureau was organized by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce in 1979 to coordinate and stimulate promotion of the Grand Strand as a destination for
group business. Today, the convention bureau has ten employees and serves as a division within the
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The convention bureau staff aids meeting planners and tour
operators in locating sites for conventions, meetings and motorcoach tourism; in recent years reunions
and sporting events have increased in the area. They also assist groups with registration personnel,
name badges, speakers and welcome packages containing informative literature and brochures.
Promoting the Myrtle Beach area as a group destination involves telemarketing, trade show promotion,
sales events and activities, direct mailing and advertising placements. A total of 647 leads were
generated during 2011, creating 124,200 new room nights. The CVB staff also provided in-market
services for 312 groups with a total of 47,732 attendees.

In 2011, the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau contracted Coastal Carolina
University to conduct a group business impact study. In the Myrtle Beach market, this group
business generally comes from one of six sources: associations, corporations, government,
sports organizations, motor coach, or SMERF – social, military, educational, religious and
fraternal special markets.
Group business is a constituent of the accommodations industry. The estimated economic
impact on the local economy includes:

• $251 million in total output (sales)
• $83.9 million in labor income
• 3,976 full and part-time jobs

These benefits impact the local community’s public and private sectors. For example, each 100
employees directly servicing group business creates the need for an additional 21 employees
from the local economy. Direct expenditures from two separate categories were analyzed in
this study to determine the total economic impact. The direct expenditures break down as
follows:
• Hotel Stay Expenditures Attributed to Group Business: $49.4 million

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: 2010-2011
The Grand Strand is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States and current development includes
a wide range of new businesses established and/or planned during 2011. These include entertainment
centers, restaurants, motels, golf courses, business and resort centers and general services.
RESTAURANTS

In 2010, Broadway at the Beach premiered several new restaurants, including Wet Willies, Sharkey’s Bar and Grill,
Pizza Hut Express, State Fair, Mason’s at the Beach, and Baja Bistro. That trend continued in 2011 with the
opening of additional restaurants throughout Broadway at the Beach, including Good Time Charley’s, Carlos’n
Charlie’s, Capriz, and Titled Kilt. In September of 2011 the Grand Strand also welcomed numerous restaurants,
including Deli One in Myrtle Beach, Mulligan’s in Little River, Rocco’s New York Deli and Café in Longs,
Mancuso’s Italian Restaurant in Conway, and Sweet Violet Bakery at Ebb and Flow Art Co-op in Murrells Inlet.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Inlet Sports Lodge welcomed its first members in Murrells Inlet in September of 2010, offering such amenities
as a 17 foot Triton for each member, membership to several area golf courses and parks, and a pool complete with a
waterfall. In May of 2011, the Aqua Beach Inn opened in Myrtle Beach, offering a central location within walking
distance to many Myrtle Beach attractions.

OTHER BUSINESSES

In 2010, the 1.2 mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk opened, spanning from 2nd Avenue Pier to the 14th Avenue Pier.
The 2nd Avenue Pier completed its renovations in June of 2010, the same month that the Soar and Explore ropes
course and zip line premiered at Broadway at the Beach. At the same time, The Family Fun Park opened at Myrtle
Beach Mall, complete with a carousel and Ferris wheel. The Fun Warehouse opened in October of 2010, offering
adults and children the chance to play laser tag, go roller skating, and enjoy an arcade with inflatables. Stores that
opened in 2010 at Myrtle Beach Mall include Belk, Cool Shades, Countertops and More Home Design Center,
Grant’s Furniture and Interiors, Reflection Jewelry, Southern Peanuts, Timeless Memories, and Tulips.
During that time, Broadway at the Beach also opened Sanibel Sunglass Company, Sports Fanatics, Vintage
House, Euphoria, Xcell Wireless Technologies and Accessories, Tervis Tumbler, and Zhedo Fashions.
The Myrtle Beach area welcomed The Book Warehouse, Dollar General, A. C. Moore, Thrifty Car Sales, The
Diet Center, Myrtle Beach Recycling, Inc., Sober Scooter and a new Walmart in 2010. In 2011, several
attractions opened in Myrtle Beach, including Wonderworks, an interactive museum for adults and children,
the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 72 foot Ferris Wheel on Ocean Boulevard, and Pirates Voyage, a new dining
attraction resulting from renovations of the former Dixie Stampede. Legends in Concert moved to a new location
near Broadway at the Beach in March of 2011 and Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy opened its doors
in the spring of 2011. In 2011, renovations at the Murrells Inlet Square Mall finished and Frank Entertainment
premiered its combination 12 screen movie theater, bowling alley, and arcade. The Fresh Market opened in Pawleys
Island in June of 2011 while Hometown Hardware opened in Myrtle Beach at the same time. Bank of America
opened a new location on Pine Island Road in Myrtle Beach in 2011. Destination King, an event and meeting
planner, opened a site in Myrtle Beach in May of 2011. Seacoast Medical Center completed renovations in 2011
and expanded to include 52 additional beds.

ON THE HORIZON

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is set to open its Myrtle Beach Campus in January of 2012, to partner with
Horry Georgetown Tech’s aviation program and offer an associate’s degree program. Radical Ropes is planning to open
in 2012 to provide Myrtle Beach with a five-acre high ropes course and extreme zip lines. Peaches Corner, a downtown
Myrtle Beach institution since 1937, is undergoing major renovations during the offseason and will unveil a new but
“old-school Myrtle Beach” look when the project is completed in early 2012.

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STATISTICAL ABSTR ACT

CONSTRUCTION
The National Association of REALTORS predicted
a slight decline in home sales in 2006 due to rising
interest rates. By the end of 2007 there was a rapid
change from a sellers market to a buyers market which
caused an oversupply in housing product. Then in
2008/2009 when the economy went into a recession,
the housing market in Horry County seemed to come
to a halt.
Over the years Horry Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population has been
growing at a steady pace, and since 2000 it has grown
37 percent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau
housing market, the estimated number of households
in the county (2009) has grown by 35 percent since
2000.
During 2010, the housing market in Horry County
was impacted in much the same way as the rest

Year
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010

of the nation; the number of new single-family
residential permits decreased by five percent
from 2009. The number of multifamily permits
decreased 58 percent from 2009, which equated
to a 77 percent decrease from 2008 permits.
The dollar value of single-family construction
permits in 2010 decreased two percent from 2009,
while the dollar value of multifamily permits
decreased approximately 11 percent in that same
time period.
In 2010, 1,400 new residential building permits
were issued in Horry County at a value of more
than $224 million. That was a five percent decrease
from the 1,476 new residential building permits
issued for the same time period in 2009, at a value
of more than $252 million.

The price of residential homes has increased significantly since 2000. The ACCRA quarterly cost of living report
stated that the average cost of a home in the Myrtle Beach area (using 2,400 square feet as the average home
size, conventionally built on site, three bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage) was $239,900 in 2005. This
same report recorded the average annual price of a home decreased to $230,219 in 2010, a decrease of four
percent. The rental price of a housing unit has increased one percent since 2005. The ACCRA cost of living
report stated that the average rent for a two- bedroom apartment was $625 in the fourth quarter of 2005 and
in the fourth quarter of 2010 it was $632.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census: Manufacturing and Construction Division
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LABOR INFORMATION
LARGEST NON-MANUFACTURING
EMPLOYERS IN HORRY COUNTY
Employer

LABOR INFORMATION
The majority of jobs in Horry County are related to the services necessary to support tourism business.
Approximately 65 to 70 percent of Horry Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employment is either directly or indirectly tourism- related.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Horry Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s year-round population in 2010 at 269,291. The following chart
shows the total number of employees in nonagricultural positions. Additionally, the chart reports the percentage
of those employed in particular categories of business.

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Average
Monthly
Employed

Manufacturing

116,231

2.9%

Mining &
Transportation
Construction & Public Utilities
5.0%

Retail &
Wholesale
Trade

Finance,
Insurance &
Real Estate

Services

Government

20.2%

6.6%

58.9%

4.7%

1.8%

Note: Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding. This information comes from the 2009 fourth quarter of the
S.C. Employment Security Commissions Labor Profile Report.

Over the years, Horry County has increased the number of employment opportunities and has seen a growth
in population. In spite of the continued economic downturn in 2010, the annual average unemployment rate
was 11.9 percent, compared to an annual average rate of 11.8 percent in 2009.
The graph below shows that the unemployment rate in Horry County decreases during the peak tourism
months.

COST OF LIVING
Every quarter ACCRA compiles and publishes its Cost of Living Index, a comparison of the cost of living in more than
300 cities and areas across the country. Participating agencies such as chambers of commerce collect prices on nearly 60
different products and services. In an effort to control random error in the analysis of the data, agencies are expected to
collect the same data at the same time for every quarter during the year.
Listed below are just a few examples of how Myrtle Beach compares with the rest of the nation. A composite index score
of 100 is the national average.
Cities

AREA PRICES AS REPORTED IN THE COST OF LIVING INDEX
Average Apartment Rent $632 (two bedrooms, two baths, unfurnished, approx. 950 sq. ft.,
excluding utilities except water and sewer)
Average New Home Cost $235,394 (2,400 sq. ft. living area, conventionally built on site, three
bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage)
Average Electric Bill

NESA’s primary objective is to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents of the region by creating additional
jobs and capital investment within the existing industry base, recruiting new companies and expanding tourism-related
development. NESA works with representatives from each of its nine counties and provides the following services: Regional
site selection, Infrastructure, Incentives and Workforce.
For more information:
NESA
P.O. Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502
(843) 661-4669
www.nesasc.org

MYRTLE BEACH REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MBREDC)

Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization designed to encourage manufacturing
business growth and job creation in Horry County. It incorporates the efforts and resources of public and private entities
to promote long-term, community-wide strategies for enhancing and diversifying Horry County’s economy. Consulting,
planning, zoning and development assistance are provided for the expansion and relocation of manufacturing businesses
in Horry County.
For more information:
MBREDC
2431 Hwy. 501 E.
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 347-4604 or (800) 844-4983
www.mbredc.org

GEORGETOWN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The Georgetown County Economic Development Commission’s mission is to develop and encourage job creation and
investment in Georgetown County by promoting a positive business climate, marketing Georgetown County and developing
growth opportunities for new and existing industries.
For more information:
Georgetown Count Economic Development Commission
716 Prince St.
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 545-3161
www.seegeorgetown.com

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (MBACC)

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has more than 2,400 members, 80 percent of which have 50 or fewer
employees. Our goal is to promote the interests of these small businesses by providing programs and services that encourage
professional development and to help small businesses thrive.
For more information:
MBACC
1200 North Oak St.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 626-7444
www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com

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POPULATION INFORMATION
The Grand Strand has seen steady growth in
population in the past several decades. The growth
in population has been evident in the increase of
the number of residential construction starts and
infrastructure development.
The Census Bureau completes population updates
every two years for Metropolitan Statistical Areas
(MSA). Horry County constitutes an MSA because
the population of the area is greater than 100,000.
The 2010 census estimates Horry County’s population
at 269,291 for the 1,134 square miles of land area.
Although Horry County is the largest county in land
area in South Carolina, its population accounts for
roughly six percent of the state’s population.

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released in
July 2009, the Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Statistical
Area, or Horry County, was one of the top 100 fastest
growing counties in the United States. In the last nine
years, the county experienced a 34 percent growth in
population.

RETIREES

Today, 30 percent of South Carolina’s residents are
over 55 years of age. Horry County is No.1 among
the top five regions in the state where retirees are
relocating. Since 2000, the county’s population of 65
and over (2009) grew by 42 percent.
Similarly in Georgetown County the population of
persons 65 and over (2009) grew 23 percent since
2000.

SMALLER COMMUNITIES

The Census Bureau only acquires population
information on smaller communities every ten years.
Census figures shown below are the most recent
figures available.
2000
2010
Andrews
3,068
2,971

Georgetown County includes nearly 815 square miles.
In 2010 its population was estimated at 60,158. Its
population makes up a bit more than one percent of
the states total.

TOTAL NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Family Households (Families)
With own children under 18 years
Married-couple family
With own children under 18 years
Male householder, no wife present, family
With own children under 18 years
Female householder, no husband present
With own children under 18 years
Non-Family Households

HEALTHCARE
Conway Medical Center
300 Singleton Ridge Road
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 347-7111
With the recent addition of its Patient Bed Tower, Conway Medical Center now offers 210
beds to help care for residents and visitors in the surrounding area. As one of the largest
employers in Horry County, Conway Medical Center employs over 200 medical personnel with
a variety of specialties to provide patients with services to aid with all of their medical needs.
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
809 82nd Parkway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
(843) 692-1000
In 2010, this acute care hospital, with 219 beds, treated over 69,000 emergency department
patients. Grand Strand Regional Medical Center offers the only cardiac surgery program
in Horry and Georgetown counties and performed 389 surgeries in 2010. As a designated
trauma center, this facility provides patients with expertise and excellent care from 250
physicians, over 1,200 staff members, and 200 volunteers.
Loris Community Hospital
3655 Mitchell St.
Loris, SC 29569
(843) 716-7000
As a part of the Loris Healthcare System, Loris Community Hospital, with 105 beds, works
in conjunction with Seacoast Medical Center to treat almost 40,000 emergency patients each
year. Loris Community Hospital has over 120 physicians, with 28 specialties, available to help
patients with a wide variety of medical issues.
Seacoast Medical Center
4900 Highway 9 East
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 390-8100
Seacoast Medical Center completed renovations in 2011, adding 52 beds and a new cafeteria
to its facility, in order to better serve the almost 40,000 emergency patients who visit the
Seacoast Medical Center and Loris Community Hospital each year. Seacoast Medical Center
offers several services, including outpatient surgery, digital radiology and diagnostic imaging,
physician, occupational and speech therapy, cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation, and diabetes
education and management.

The Horry County School District (HCS) is a county-wide school system serving 245,000 people along the
Atlantic coastline of northeastern South Carolina. A 12-member board of education, elected from singlemember districts govern the school district, with the chairman being elected at large. The superintendent is
appointed by the board.
The school district has nine attendance areas: Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Socastee, North Myrtle
Beach, Loris, Aynor, Green Sea Floyds and St. James. Each area consists of a high school, elementary school
and middle school.

RECENT HONORS

Twelve schools have been awarded Red Carpet
Schools Awards.
Eight schools have been named National Blue Ribbon
Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of
Education.
Five schools received honors as Palmetto Gold
and Palmetto Silver award winners for academic
improvement on the Palmetto Achievement Challenge
Test.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Since the mid-1990’s, Horry County School District
has invested nearly $500 million in new and renovated
facilities. Twenty-one new schools have been built, and
two new attendance areas have been added.
Horry County School District is the fastest growing
and the 3rd largest overall amoung South Carolina’s 85
school districts. Ninety-Eight percent of Horry County
schools received Absolute ratings of Excellent, Good or
Average compared to 84 percent statewide.

STATISTICS

Horry County School District is the third largest of
the state’s 85 school districts and has gained 10,000
students during the last decade.
Number of Schools:
Total.....................................................51
Primary/Elementary Schools...............26
Middle Schools.....................................11
High Schools........................................10
Career Centers/Academies.....................2
Alternative Schools................................1
Charter Schools......................................2

QUICK FACTS

The ethnic distribution is 70 percent White, 21
percent Black, 7 percent Hispanic and 1 percent
other.
Enrollment in the public schools (grades K-12) in
2010 was 37,421.
The district serves academically gifted students
beginning in 3rd grade. The Scholars’ Academy
is available for the highest achieving students in
grades 9-12 on the campus of Coastal Carolina
University and offers college level and accelerated
programs of study.
There were 2,126 high school graduates in 2010
with 73 percent attending a two or four year
college.
The total number of full-time employees is 5,295,
and the total number of classroom teachers is
2,479.
The salary range for a teacher with a bachelor’s
degree is $34,270 to $58,798. The average salery
is $52,479
The following shows the educational attainment
for people 25 years and older in Horry County for
the last two decades:
1990
2000
Less than Ninth Grade 9.4%
5.6%
High School Diploma 74.3%
75.7%
Bachelor’s Degree
16.0%
18.7%

Coastal Carolina has 9,063 students enrolled and offers
baccalaureate degrees in 55 major fields of study and
40 undergraduate minors, as well as seven master’s
degree programs in education, writing, coastal marine
wetland studies, and MBA, seven cooperative degree
programs with other South Carolina universities and ten
international exchange programs.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College has over 10,037
students enrolled in regular curriculum programs. The
comprehensive commuter college has three campuses
and offers more than 70 associate degree diplomas and
certificate programs.

Webster University is an independent, comprehensive,
multi-campus, international university with graduate
programs at its Myrtle Beach campus. Weeknight and
weekend classes are available for the working adult.

Miller-Motte Technical College is a modern state of the
art facility in a closed campus environment. The facility
has administrative offices, computer and medical labs,
classrooms, a learning resource center, bookstore and
student lounge. The following is a list of the program
offerings; Cosmetology, Esthetics Technology, Massage
Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Office, Assisting, and
Medical Clinical Assistant.

Fortune Academy of Real Estate trains new agents,
existing agents and those wishing to become brokers in
preparation for the state licensing exam, appraisal, and
home inspection. They now offer classes in real estate,
home inspection, appraisal, and mortgage lending.

Carolina College offers a complete educational program
in preparation for state licensing in cosmetology and nail
technology. The college also offers continuing education
programs for two-year renewals.

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LOCAL COMMUNITIES
HORRY COUNTY
The communities of Aynor, Briarcliffe Acres, Conway,
Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic
Beach and Surfside Beach are the incorporated areas
in the county of Horry (pronounced O-Ree). Garden
City Beach and Little River are in the unincorporated
areas of Horry County. The most recent update (U.S.
Census 2010) showed Horry Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population
at 269,291 for the 1,134 square miles of land area.
Although Horry County is the largest county in land
area for the state of South Carolina, it accounts for
only four percent of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population.
Horry County adheres to a council-administrator
form of government. There are 11 districts in Horry
County and one council member is elected from each
district. The council chairman is elected at large.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Horry County Police Department was established
in 1959 and is charged with the law enforcement
duties in the unincorporated areas of the county.
The Horry County Police Department has 233
commissioned officers and 19 civilian employees for
a total of 252. Approximately 279 equipped police
cars are available to serve all of the unincorporated
areas in Horry County. The county has a take-home
vehicle policy for all commissioned officers, which
provides additional police presence in the county.

Horry County Fire Rescue is the primary pre-hospital
care provider for all areas of the county. Emergency
assistance can be obtained by dialing 911.

GOVERNMENT
Number of council members, including
the chairman............................................. 12
Length of term (in years).............................. 4
Number of career firefighters.................... 319
Number of volunteer firefighters ............. 183
Number of full-time county
police officers.......................................... 233
Number of equipped police cars .............. 279
For more information:
Lisa H. Bourcier
Horry County Public
Information Director
1301 Second Avenue
P.O. Box 1236
Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5390
Fax: (843) 915-6390
www.horrycounty.org

FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
The Horry County Fire Rescue Department was
officially formed in July 2001 when Horry County
leaders decided to merge existing Fire and Emergency
Medical Services into one new department. This
consolidation was an effort to enhance both fire and
pre-hospital medical services in a more cost-effective
manner. The Horry County Fire Rescue Department is
staffed by 319 paid firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/
paramedics, with 183 volunteers in 39 fire stations to
serve all of the unincorporated areas in Horry County.
Source: Horry County Public Information Office
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LOCAL COMMUNITIES
TOWN OF SURFSIDE BEACH

CITY OF MYRTLE BEACH

Incorporated in 1964, the Town of Surfside Beach
is located between Garden City and Myrtle Beach
and offers a small-town, laid-back, child-friendly
environment for its residents and guests. It is a quiet
haven close to all area attractions. The town has
approximately 3,800 full-time residents.

The city of Myrtle Beach is located at the center of South
Carolina’s Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach was incorporated
as a town in 1938 and as a city in 1957.

GOVERNMENT
Number of council members,
including the mayor ....................................... 7
Length of term (in years).................................. 4
Number of full-time firefighters........................ 7
Number of volunteer firefighters ................... 26
Number of sworn town police officers .......... 24
The town has emergency medical teams available 24
hours a day with a well-trained staff to serve residents
and visitors. Assistance can be accessed by dialing 911.
The Town of Surfside Beach offers enrichment and
sports programs through its recreation department
and civic center; in addition to its safety, sanitation and
other services.
For more information:
Town of Surfside Beach
115 U.S. Highway 17 North
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Phone: (843) 913-6111
Fax: (843) 238-5432
www.surfsidebeach.org

The city adheres to the council‑manager form of
government. A seven-member city council, which
includes the mayor, establishes all laws and policies.
Each council member has one vote.
Members are elected at large for staggered, four-year
terms. A professional city manager is charged with
carrying out city laws and policies and hiring the city
staff.
The 200 sworn officers of the Myrtle Beach Police
Department and the 150 full-time firefighters in the
Myrtle Beach Fire Department provide 24-hour service
to city residents, including emergency medical service.
Emergency assistance can be accessed by dialing 911.

GOVERNMENT
Number of council members,
including the mayor .............................................. 7
Length of term (in years)......................................... 4
Number of full-time firefighters........................... 150
Number of sworn city police officers................... 179
Redevelopment of the downtown area is underway
with the Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment
Corporation (DRC). The vision calls for creating a
contemporary identity and sense of place based on
historical attributes and values of the area.
For more information:
City of Myrtle Beach
P.O. Box 2468
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
Phone: (843) 918-1012
Fax: (843) 918-1028
www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com

Home of “the Shag,” the city of North Myrtle Beach is
located along a nine-mile stretch of the Atlantic Ocean
coastline in the northeastern section of South Carolina.
The city was formed in 1968 when four small beach
towns, Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and
Windy Hill Beach, consolidated into one community.
The city operates under a council-manager form of
government and provides its citizens with a variety of
municipal services, including police and fire protection,
water and sewer, sanitation service and recreational
facilities.

The northern part of Georgetown County makes
up a small portion of the Grand Strand. Murrells
Inlet is the most northern community in the
county, south of Horry County’s Garden City
Beach. Georgetown County includes nearly 822
square miles, the eighth largest county in the state.
Its population makes up slightly more than one
percent of the state’s total (60,703).

The city is governed by a mayor and six council
members, with the mayor and two council members
elected at-large and four council members selected atlarge as residents of the four city wards.
The City Hall, Public Safety, Aquatic & Fitness Center
and other city buildings are located just off Highway
17 on Second Avenue South. The city’s recreational
facilities and community center were recently
renovated and are located just off Highway 17 along
Possum Trot Road. In early 2014, the city will open a
new 142 acre sports and general recreation park west
of the Intracoastal Waterway.
With its desirable oceanfront setting, the city is also
fast becoming a focal point for those experimenting
with alternative wind energy solutions.
For more information:
City Manager
City of North Myrtle Beach
1018 2nd Avenue South
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Phone: (843) 280-5555
Fax: (843) 280-5582
www.nmb.us

Georgetown, the county seat, was formerly
known as George Town until 1798. The city was
named for King George II of England. It is the
third oldest city in South Carolina and was laid out
in 1729. Located approximately 35 miles south of
Myrtle Beach and 60 miles north of Charleston,
Georgetown is rich in history. In the early 1800s
the area was the rice-producing capital of America.
Century-old plantation homes are still in use and
some have been opened to visitors as tourist
attractions. The city not only boasts a historic
seaport, but also more than 60 buildings and sites
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Similar to Horry County, Georgetown County
adheres to a council-administrator form of
government. There are seven districts in
Georgetown County, and one council member is
elected from each district. The council chairman is
elected at large. The county sheriff is also elected.
Elected county officials serve four-year terms.
For more information:
Georgetown County
Chamber of Commerce
531 Front Street
Georgetown, SC 29440
Phone: (843) 546-8436
Fax: (843) 520-4876
www.visitgeorge.com

Sources: City of North Myrtle Beach; Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce
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LOCAL COMMUNITIES
CONWAY

AYNOR

The city of Conway is located approximately 15 miles
west of Myrtle Beach and was incorporated in 1898.
The city operates under a council-administrator form
of government and provides its citizens with a variety
of municipal services.

The town of Aynor is 30 miles west of Myrtle
Beach and was incorporated in May 1913. As the
town of Aynor began to develop, it inherited the
name “The Little Golden Town.” Today the town
has 669 residents.

The city of Conway Police and Fire Departments
provide emergency services throughout the area.
Assistance can be accessed by dialing 911.

GOVERNMENT
Number of council members,
including the mayor..............................................7
Length of term (in years).....................................4
Number of full-time police officers....................48
Number of full-time and volunteer firemen......39
(33 full time/6 volunteers)
For more information:
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
203 Main Street
Conway, SC 29528
Phone: (843) 248-2273

LORIS
In 1902 the town of Loris was incorporated and
became a trading center for the agriculture, lumber
and turpentine industries of upper Horry County. The
town is located approximately 25 miles northwest of
Myrtle Beach.
Loris has a mayor-council form of government
and the city administrator runs the day-to-day
operations. The town has a police department,
volunteer fire department, rescue squad, hospital,
extended care center and a fitness center. Horry
County provides police protection to the area.
For more information:
Loris Chamber of Commerce
Visitors & Convention Bureau Inc.
4242 Main Street
Loris, SC 29569
Phone: (843) 756-6030 or (866) 664-6030

GOVERNMENT
Number of council members,
including the mayor....................................... 5
Length of term for council (in years)............ 4
mayor.............................. 2
Number of full-time police officers............... 5
Number of part-time police officers.............. 1
Number of equipped police cars................... 6
The town has emergency medical teams available
24 hours a day with a well-trained staff to serve
residents and visitors. Assistance can be accessed
by dialing 911.
For more information:
Margaret Duvall
Town of Aynor
600 South Main Street
Aynor, SC 29511

LITTLE RIVER
Little River was the first village established within Horry
County. Indian Tribes called the stream Mineola, meaning
“little river,” and that became its name.
Horry County provides police protection to the area,
and the village has a volunteer fire department with
emergency medical teams available 24 hours a day.
For more information:
Little River Chamber of Commerce
1180 Highway 17, P.O. Box 400
Little River, SC 29566
Phone:(843) 249-6604
Fax: (843) 249-9788
www.littleriverchamber.org

GRAND STRAND HISTORY
The Myrtle Beach area is rich in culture and tradition. Continuous efforts are made to preserve and commemorate the past
through museums, landmarks and tales of bygone days.
 Kings Highway began as an Indian trail long before Europeans settled along the Grand Strand. Later, this trail became the
route from the northern states to Charleston and Savannah.
 The area’s first inhabitants were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians, who named the region Chicora, meaning “the land.”
 Early attempts by European explorers to settle the Grand Strand were disastrous. Spaniard Lucas Vasques de Allyon founded
the first colony in North America here in 1526, but the settlement was ravaged by disease and the inhabitants perished
within a year.
 Before the Civil War, plantation owners turned Pawleys Island into one of the first summer resorts on the Atlantic coast.
Historic beach cottages and other landmarks still stand.
 Until the 1900s, the beaches of Horry County were virtually uninhabited due to the county’s geographical inaccessibility
and poor economy.
 Near the turn of the century, the Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber/turpentine firm with extensive beachfront
holdings, began developing the resort potential of the Strand. In 1901, the company built the beach’s first hotel, the Seaside
Inn. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25 and buyers received an extra lot if they built a house valued at $500 or more.
The beach community was called New Town until the Horry Herald newspaper held a contest to name the area. Mrs. F.G.
Burroughs, wife of the founder of Burroughs & Collins, won with the name Myrtle Beach, which she chose for the many wax
myrtle trees growing wild along the shore.
 In the 1920s, a group of businessmen began building an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community.
Arcady featured the present Pine Lakes International Country Club (home of the Strand’s first golf club and birthplace of
Sports Illustrated) and the legendary Ocean Forest Hotel.
 In 1936, the Intracoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping. During the 1940s, the Air Force
Base was established and used for training and coastal patrols during World War II. The base was closed in 1993. The Myrtle
Beach Pavilion was built in 1949, followed closely by the installation of the historic band organ and carousel at that site.
 Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938 and became a city in 1957.
 Hurricane Hazel demolished buildings and trees along the Strand in 1954, clearing the way for new hotels and homes.
During the rebuilding phase of the 1960s, a golf boom began, with new courses being built each year. The number of golf
courses along the Grand Strand now totals around 102.
 The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, which houses the S.C. Hall of Fame, opened in 1970.
 During the ’70s, new construction in the area topped $75 million, and the population tripled.
 In the 1970s and ’80s, construction of attractions, homes, retail shops and other amenities increased steadily, paving the way
for another boom in the early ’90s. The Myrtle Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area is the 13th fastest growing area in the
nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released in April 2001. The area grew 36.5 percent over the past decade.
 In October 2006, the Myrtle Beach Pavilion permanently closed after 58 years in business.